Rosa "Mama Rosa" Fusca

In Loving Memory of Rosa “Mama Rosa” Fusca

Rosa Fusca, affectionately known as “Mama Rosa,” passed away on June 6, 2025, at age 96, joining her beloved husband, Nicola, in eternal rest. Born March 19, 1929, in Maierato, Reggio Calabria, Italy, Rosa was one of eight siblings and a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and unmatched generosity. 

In 1961, Rosa bravely immigrated to the United States aboard the Leonardo da Vinci with three young children, reuniting with Nicola, who had prepared a home for their family. They welcomed their fourth child in 1963. 

For over fifty years Mama owned and operated restaurants in Pittsburgh and Butler, her famous pasta sauce became a staple and is still sold in local grocery stores. Her legacy lives on with each special dish she created and in the place she built where everyone feels like family. 

Rosa understood the connection between food and love. Her home kitchen was a haven where neighborhood children flocked for fresh-baked Italian bread, often stopping the entire school bus at her door. She didn’t believe in weeds, she could turn wild herbs into gourmet meals and never let anyone leave hungry. Everything growing in nature had a use. She passed on how to live off the land, how to fend for yourself, and how to see beauty in all living things. 

A woman who danced and sang through life, Rosa taught that joy and contentment can be simple. Always polite, always humble, she greeted everyone with dignity and grace. She asked about others constantly, remembered their stories, and held them in her prayers. To her, everyone had value, and every connection had meaning.

Rosa’s Catholic faith anchored her daily life. Her rosary beads were never far, and her devotion to Jesus was deep and personal. She was fiercely proud of her roots and believed in the importance of family. Her love ran deep and wide, and her sense of belonging extended to all who crossed her path.

She is survived by her children Lisa Fusca Barron, Frank Fusca, Josephine Fusca, and Nicholas Fusca (Nicole); grandchildren Brendon Barron, Nicholas Barron (Carrie), Sarah Unruh (Michael), Nicole Fusca, Antonio Fusca, and Luca Fusca; twelve great-grandchildren; and countless others who called her Mama, sister, aunt, and friend.

A viewing will be held at Perman Funeral Home on Monday, June 9, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary of the Assumption Church on Tuesday, June 10, at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment at Lakewood Memorial Garden. 

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23